Halep has been slammed by critics of the WTA Tour for ending as the world no.1 despite not winning a Grand Slam.
Federer is a big fan of the women’s game and praised Halep for the year she’s had.
He said: “Not for a second should you ever take away anything from Halep, who’s worked their life to achieve a life-goal dream.
“It’s not only about Grand Slams. She’s played a full season.
“She’s tough, fit, playing all the time, she practices hard, she’s committed and that also should be rewarded.
“I am really happy for her and excited to follow the women’s game until the very end because there were so many players who could finish No.1.”
The Romanian ended the season being torn apart 6-0 6-2 by Caroline Wozniacki at the WTA Finals – and still ended top of the pile.
And the words went down well with Halep, who considers the 19-time Grand Slam champion as an idol.
“I felt really proud of myself that Roger Federer could talk about me like that, I thank him for the nice words,” Halep said.
“He is one of my (role) models.”
Federer won the Swiss Indoors title for the eighth time on Sunday but has opted to pull out the Paris Masters this week citing a back injury.